08/30/2013

ANCHORAGE, AK – Following a briefing from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on the Alaska Climate Science Center and the Alaska Mapping Initiative, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell will hold a media availability in Anchorage on Tuesday, September 3.

The Alaska Climate Science Center opened as the first of eight regional Interior climate science centers in 2011. A partnership between the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the USGS, the center is focused on the creation of information that can be readily used in climate change adaptation, management and planning. The Alaska Climate Science Center plays an important role in President Obama’s comprehensive Climate Action Plan and works to provide managers and decision makers with the tools they need to support adaptation and sustainability for natural and cultural resources in a rapidly changing Arctic.

The USGS is also working with the State of Alaska and multiple federal agencies on an initiative to produce new topographic maps of the state, replacing outdated maps that are more than 50 years old. The new, more accurate maps are expected to have many benefits and applications, including improved aviation transportation and a landscape-level understanding of Alaska.

Secretary Jewell is currently making a multi-day trip to Alaska that includes visits to: the communities of King Cove and Cold Bay to inform a pending decision concerning the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge Land Exchange/Road Corridor; the North Slope and the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska to discuss issues regarding resource development and public lands management; and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.